As someone who had survived multiple assassination attempts in a single day, Hanaki's authority was undeniably significant.
The greatest demonstration of this power came in the afternoon, when Hattori's request was granted. On the very same day, he obtained a commercial plot of land nearly 10,000 square meters in the heart of Wind Capital—a space equivalent to a football field.
Naturally, Hattori was thrilled to acquire such a large plot, but as he watched dozens of crying merchants being driven out, he couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
"With tactics like these, should I really be surprised that Hanaki is destined to be a future Daimyo?"
Indeed, the land Hattori received wasn't unclaimed but already occupied by active businesses. Yet, with a simple declaration of "noble requisition" from Hanaki, the merchants were expelled.
In the world of ninjas, if the hidden villages are the greatest military forces, then the Daimyo are the largest landlords. The Daimyo has absolute authority over his land—deciding its use and who benefits from it. If someone disagreed, did they really think the hidden villages were just for show?
In essence, wars in the ninja world are struggles between these great landlords over land, with the ninja villages acting as enforcers. To borrow a power structure analogy from *Young and Dangerous*, the Daimyo is like President, the village Kage is akin to General, and clan leaders within the village resemble characters like "Officer." Ordinary ninjas? They're just foot soldiers.
Someone like Hattori, who's incredibly skilled in combat, would at best be a top-tier enforcer. With enough reputation and support, he could potentially be promoted by Daimyo and become the next Kage.
Considering this, Hattori lost his interest in returning to the village to climb the ranks.
"Someone as dashing and talented as me should never settle for being anyone's lackey!"
With this thought, he invested the remaining 30 million ryo he had after purchasing his *Samurai Spirits* armor. He hired hundreds of craftsmen to level and rebuild his newly acquired commercial plot.
As the saying goes, "Many hands make light work."
With the effort of hundreds of workers, it took less than three months for a luxurious estate, spanning nearly 10,000 square meters, to rise in the heart of Wind Capital.
Hattori modeled the estate after Hanaki's private residence, complete with pavilions, bridges over streams, and elegant structures. A massive plaque hung above the entrance, displaying the words: **Revivers' Alliance**. Beside the entrance stood a large stone tablet, inscribed with the company's slogan:
**"Reviver" Bodyguards: The Ultimate Status Symbol, Exclusive Protection for Nobility!**
On either side of the gate were warriors in ornate armor, wearing antlered helmets and gripping their sword hilts—*Samurai Spirits* swordmasters, looking fierce and imposing. The estate stood in stark contrast to the nearby shops, like a crane towering above a flock of chickens.
Those in the know recognized it as Hattori's security company. Others might have assumed it was the mansion of some grand general.
And that was precisely the impression Hattori aimed for.
If he didn't set himself apart, how would he attract the wealthy nobles of the Land of Wind to spend lavishly?
On opening day, he received his first visitors.
Two men arrived, dressed in white robes with sashes tied at their waists, tall hats adorned with the character for "Wind" on them. Seeing their attire, Hattori guessed they were officials from the Land of Wind.
His assumption was correct. Once seated, they revealed their intentions.
"Mr. Hattori, we are officials from the Daimyo Mansion. We've come to purchase some reincarnated puppets to serve as protectors for the Daimyo Mansion."
"The Daimyo Mansion?"
Hearing this, Hattori's expression cleared, and he nodded.
"Oh, I see. You must've learned about the reincarnated puppets from Hanaki, right? You should also be aware of their price, correct?"
"Of course!"
One of the officials nodded in agreement.
"Although you sold the puppets to Lord Hanaki for 30 million ryo each, based on the materials you've recently purchased, these puppets clearly aren't worth that much."
With that, he pulled out a list detailing Hattori's material purchases and the armor orders he'd placed at the blacksmith.
"According to our calculations, the cost of the materials doesn't exceed 500,000 ryo per puppet. Therefore, we're willing to pay 1 million ryo each for 100 puppets. How does that sound?"
"Wow, quite the offer!"
Hattori couldn't help but laugh as he raised his hand to gesture toward the door.
"Gentlemen, just head straight and turn left to find the exit. I won't be seeing you off. Please, go ahead!"
"..."
Were they being dismissed? The officials, unused to this treatment, were momentarily stunned, and a flash of anger crossed their faces.
"Mr. Fire Salamander, we're treating you with respect only because you are a hero of the Hidden Sand Village!"
"Exactly! Swindling Lord Hanaki was already a great disrespect. Do you intend to deceive the Daimyo Mansion as well?"
"Oh, so you've done your homework on me?"
Hattori chuckled again.
"But your accusations are misplaced. Buying and selling is always voluntary—how could that be called swindling?"
He spread his hands helplessly.
"To be honest, the actual cost of the materials is only 300,000 ryo. If you paid me 1 million ryo, you'd be getting ripped off, so why not make them yourselves? Off you go!"
"..."
Hattori's bluntness left the officials speechless, exchanging helpless glances. After a moment, one of them sighed and turned back to Hattori.
"We understand you didn't charge Lord Hanaki for the ten puppets, but we're still willing to pay 1 million ryo each."
The implication was that their offer was quite generous.
Hattori understood their point, smiled again, and gestured once more toward the door: "Gentlemen, please feel free to leave."
"..."
The speaking official's mouth twitched, but he still didn't budge.
Seeing this, Hattori smirked, clicked his tongue, and continued.
"Alright, I understand you must complete your mission. I'll be honest: making reincarnated puppets is costly, so I only rent them, not sell them!"
He raised a finger.
"The rental price is 1 million ryo per day, but if you rent for a month straight, you can keep them permanently. How about that? Interested?"
"..."
(End of Chapter)